Flew up to Seattle for a day before driving on up to Vancouver, BC. We took the first flight to Seattle at 7:00 AM. After landing we took the light rail to downtown. Our Hotel, the Roosevelt, let us check in early (10:00 AM). The Roosevelt Hotel is located near Pine and 7th Avenue, which is easy walking distance to about everything. We took the monorail to the Space Needle. We walked to Pike Market. We walked to Pioneer Square. And we walked to the Pyramid Brewery near the Mariner Baseball Park. The next morning, I took the light rail back to the airport, rode the rental bus from the terminal out to the rental car facility, and picked up our rental car. I met my wife at the Roosevelt, and we drove to Vancouver. The drive is a casual three hour excursion north on Interstate 5 (Don't forget your Passport). We decided to save some money by parking our car at the Vancouver Airport for $10.00 per day as opposed to $42.00 per day at our Vancouver Hotel (Marriott). Once you cross the border, Interstate 5 becomes British Columbia Highway 99. Follow the signs for the Airport YVR. We took the light rail from the airport to the "City Centre Station", which was only five blocks from our hotel. Check out the Vancouver ideas (under "Canada"). See below for other Seattle ideas!
Elise Goshorn - March 2014
Took a day trip for coffee!! Caught the early flight out and the last flight back. Take the light rail from the airport to downtown Seattle. Walk to Pike Place Market and peruse around the shops - watch the fish mongers toss fish! My husband likes Starbucks coffee so we had a cup of joe first thing in the morning. We headed back in the afternoon have a coffee from the clover before heading back to the airport. Took a walk on the boardwalk. We had lunch at the Soundview Café (Website: http://www.soundviewcafe.com/ ). I liked the clam chowder, hubby had a burger. There is a view of the Sound and it is a relaxed place to have a meal. Take a look at the shops in the Market there is quite the eclectic collection of items.
A great place to visit is Poulsbo, Washington, which is northwest of Seattle. In 1882, Norwegian immigrants established the fishing and farming community of Poulsbo on the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington State. Looking out at Liberty Bay, it is easy to see how this portion of the Puget Sound reminded city founder Jorgen Eliason of the fjord by historic Paulsbo, Norway. Today, picturesque Poulsbo, WA is known as "Little Norway on the Fjord". Visitors enjoy the city's international flavor, galleries, antique and specialty shops, waterfront restaurants, kayaking Liberty Bay, and visiting the free Marine Science Center. The Poulsbo Historical Society will fill you in on the history of the town while you walk its scenic streets. Poulsbo is only an hour from Seattle if you take the Bainbridge Island ferry and then drive the eleven miles on to Poulsbo. Cars drive right on to the ferries. The ferry ride is inexpensive, beautiful and relaxing. A ferry leaves Seattle for Bainbridge Island about once an hour during daylight. See the wsdot site for fares and schedules. http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries . Poulsbo hosts many events and festivals throughout the year. Here's a number of websites that you can use to learn more about this scenic village: http://www.visitkitsap.com/cities.asp?ID=7 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poulsbo,_Washington http://www.poulsbo.net/downtown/ http://local.search.yahoo.com/search?p=restaurants&addr=Poulsbo%2C+WA+98370
Enjoy! Sharon O'Leary - October 2011:
I have been using public transportation while in Seattle. Once I get off the train (Link Lightrail) I always catch a bus. You can purchase an Orca card ($5 initial fee) that can be reloaded as needed. I put a free app on my phone called One Bus Away and have found it to be most useful. Not only does it give a pretty accurate time of arrival but also list all the stops along the way on the map page. This is great when the weather is really rainy so I can stay indoors until the last couple of minutes of the bus arrival. It is also helpful when planning my next destination. If you stay at the same hotel, you can bookmark that stop and the next time you log in it will give an updated time of arrival. Dale the Ron - September 2009:
We took the light rail from the airport - takes about 30 minutes and costs $2.75/person. After landing take the Skywalk 2 and follow the signs - it is about 3/10 of a mile to the light rail (level four of the parking structure) We got off on the University station downtoan and it is litterally a block south to the Harbor steps whick takes you right to the Waterfront (Ferries, Pike Market) area.
Here's a YouTube Video of the light rail trip from the Airport to downtown: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_y2lSkz4KVk . Be sure to ride one of the Ferries - we did Bainbridge island this time (about 30 minutes each way). YouTube Video of Bainbridge: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cJz4fuReB8 . A day trip is perfect to explore Pike Market area. Stayed at a great place - Inn at Harbor Inn. A little pricey but great if you are only spending one night. Cheryl Hydrick - September 2007:
From the airport, Bay 2, use the Metro Transit bus that comes every 15 minutes to take you downtown for 1.50. You need to have exact change. The bus is an express number 194 and uses the highway and a tunnel downtown. The tunnel is much like an underground subway and has certain stations that it stops at rather than streets. Very easy and convenient, taking about 30 minutes. Taxis take around the same time and are approximately 28 dollars. During the day buses are free in the metro area in certain perimeters. Gina Chapin - March 2007:
We went to Seattle in November- It was awesome-we rented a car for the day but ended up parking it at the needle and taking the tram to downtown where we walked from the mall down to Union square (Pikes Market Place) and shopped-and there is the best restaurant called Cutters right across the street that you can eat overlooking the water-and we told them it was our first time in Seattle and they gave us a free sample of the salmon chowder and Seattle's best beer!!!! Take a look at their Website: http://cutterscrabhouse.com/ . It was the best day trip yet (i hope to have more!!), but I have heard of others that took the public transportation down to the needle-it just added like 30 minutes travel time!! :) Have fun!!! Becky Crozier - March 2007:
Take the Underground Tour if you go to Seattle!
I've taken it twice and laughed a lot both times.
Here's an excerpt from http://www.undergroundtour.com/
"While you roam the subterranean passages that once were the main roadways and first-floor storefronts of old downtown Seattle, Tour Guides regale you with humorous stories our pioneers didn’t want you to hear. It’s history with a twist!" Mike Summers - August 2010:
Seattle now has a light rail that takes you directly from the airport to downtown Seattle (YouTube Video showing connection: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ulih7KNdoFE ) . It's about a 35 minute trip. Here's the website: http://www.soundtransit.org/x11204.xml You simply walk to the station at the airport from the Frontier Gate. It's about a ten minute walk, but the trains are clean and efficient. You buy your ticket at a kiosk at the train station just before going upstairs to ride the train. Cash or credit is accepted.
There are a lot of nice places to eat. (See my update below for May 2011) Anthony's Pier 66 is great to sit outside in the summer. It's a little pricey, but the food is good and the view of the harbor and Mount Ranier are nice. Here's their website: http://www.anthonys.com/restaurants/info/pier66.html. We stopped by the Skyy Lounge at 1919 First Avenue for happy hour. The 'back bar' has an amazing view of the Seattle harbor. Drink prices during happy hour are first-rate (Link: http://www.yelp.com/biz/sonyas-bar-and-grill-seattle ). They say it's gay-friendly, but heck, everyone is friendly at this place. Don't miss it!
We visited the Boeing Museum north of the airport and south of downtown. You can walk through various planes/jets like the original Air Force One or a Concorde. My kids (when they were in middle/high school) really enjoyed it. Here's the website: http://www.museumofflight.org/ . John Kamlet mentions which bus to take in his post below. We also drove north of Seattle to Everett, WA to tour the Boeing assembly plant where they build 747's and 777's. It's the world's largest building (by volume) and worth the visit; Website: http://www.museumofflight.org/
Seattle is also a great day trip if you want to take in an afternoon Seattle Mariner game. The light rail stops by the stadium and the Pyramid Brewing Company is across the street from the park. Here's information about transportation to Safeco Field: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/sea/ballpark/sea_ballpark_transportation.jsp
And here's the website for the Pyramid Brewery: http://www.pyramidbrew.com/ I love the Hefe beer, and the food is great! Also just south of the stadium on 1st Avenue South is Henry's (Website: http://www.henrystavern.com/location-seattle-WA.php ) with their large selection of beers on tap.
Lastly, you can easily drive from Seattle to Vancouver, BC. Frontier used to fly direct to Vancouver, and my wife and I fell in love with the city. In February 2010, I drove up to Vancouver from Seattle for the Winter Olympics. Rental car companies allow you to drive to Canada (you should always ask beforehand). I posted a few things in the Vancouver scouttraveltips page about it.
Enjoy!
Mike Summers John Kamlet - October 2010:
We took Mike Summers' advice above and took the light rail from Sea/Tac to the Westlake station downtown. It's only $2.50 per person each way and dropped us about 3 blocks from our hotel. We stayed at the Warwick Hotel, which gave us an airline employee discount, and is located within walking distance of everything in downtown Seattle. It's best to call for rates.
The Pacific Science Museum is a must see located in Seattle Center near the Space Needle. They have a lot of interactive exhibits for "kids" of all ages, plus IMAX. The exhibits change frequently.
Another must see is the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field. If you catch the 124 bus on 3rd Ave, it will take you directly to the museum (about a 30 minute ride) for $2 per person. Exact change is required for the bus and light rail.
If you take the ferry to Bainbridge Island, be sure to try the crab bisque at Doc's Marina Grill. YouTube Ferry Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75gxYB9-rZA . Mike Summers - May 2011:
See my write-up above AND just got back from a kick-butt weekend. Three more restaurants to try are all in-a-row at 4th Avenue and Virginia Streets (Map: http://classic.mapquest.com/maps?city=Seattle&state=WA&country=US&latitude=47.6064&longitude=-122.330803&geocode=CITY ) . They are owned by the same genius chef. We put a reservation in at "Serious Pie" (Website: http://tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=serious-pie ), which is anywhere from a 20-45 minute wait; then we walked next door to Dahlia Lounge for before-dinner drinks (Website: http://tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=dahlia-lounge ). Seroius Pie called us on our cell phone with a ten-minute warning; so, we went back to Serious Pie and ate dinner. The sweet fennel sausage, roasted peppers, and provolone pizza is great. After eating some awesome gourmet pizza at Seroius Pie, we walked a 1/2 block to Lola (Website: http://tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=lola) for the unworldly Coconut Cream Pie (that is not on the menu), but you can ask for it because it's that good,and had Irish coffee to round out a spectacular date night. If you want to extend your evening by enjoying some live music (with no-cover), head on over to the Triple Door (Website: http://www.thetripledoor.net/Our-Story.aspx ). The Triple Door features entertainment on both their Main Stage (which will cost you $), or you can visit the Muisicquarium for local talent at no cover charge. They also have a nice happy hour. Check the website for details.
Enjoy!
Mike Summers
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Seattle Wikitravel Website: http://wikitravel.org/en/Seattle
Seattle Downtown Wikitravel Website: http://wikitravel.org/en/Seattle/Downtown
Victoria, BC Wikitravel Website: http://wikitravel.org/en/Victoria_(British_Columbia)
Vancouver, BC Wikitravel Website: http://wikitravel.org/en/Vancouver,_British_Columbia
Mike Summers - December 2016:
Flew up to Seattle for a day before driving on up to Vancouver, BC. We took the first flight to Seattle at 7:00 AM. After landing we took the light rail to downtown. Our Hotel, the Roosevelt, let us check in early (10:00 AM). The Roosevelt Hotel is located near Pine and 7th Avenue, which is easy walking distance to about everything. We took the monorail to the Space Needle. We walked to Pike Market. We walked to Pioneer Square. And we walked to the Pyramid Brewery near the Mariner Baseball Park. The next morning, I took the light rail back to the airport, rode the rental bus from the terminal out to the rental car facility, and picked up our rental car. I met my wife at the Roosevelt, and we drove to Vancouver. The drive is a casual three hour excursion north on Interstate 5 (Don't forget your Passport). We decided to save some money by parking our car at the Vancouver Airport for $10.00 per day as opposed to $42.00 per day at our Vancouver Hotel (Marriott). Once you cross the border, Interstate 5 becomes British Columbia Highway 99. Follow the signs for the Airport YVR. We took the light rail from the airport to the "City Centre Station", which was only five blocks from our hotel. Check out the Vancouver ideas (under "Canada"). See below for other Seattle ideas!
Elise Goshorn - March 2014
Took a day trip for coffee!! Caught the early flight out and the last flight back. Take the light rail from the airport to downtown Seattle. Walk to Pike Place Market and peruse around the shops - watch the fish mongers toss fish! My husband likes Starbucks coffee so we had a cup of joe first thing in the morning. We headed back in the afternoon have a coffee from the clover before heading back to the airport. Took a walk on the boardwalk. We had lunch at the Soundview Café (Website: http://www.soundviewcafe.com/ ). I liked the clam chowder, hubby had a burger. There is a view of the Sound and it is a relaxed place to have a meal. Take a look at the shops in the Market there is quite the eclectic collection of items.
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Steve Coble - December 2012:
A great place to visit is Poulsbo, Washington, which is northwest of Seattle. In 1882, Norwegian immigrants established the fishing and farming community of Poulsbo on the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington State. Looking out at Liberty Bay, it is easy to see how this portion of the Puget Sound reminded city founder Jorgen Eliason of the fjord by historic Paulsbo, Norway. Today, picturesque Poulsbo, WA is known as "Little Norway on the Fjord". Visitors enjoy the city's international flavor, galleries, antique and specialty shops, waterfront restaurants, kayaking Liberty Bay, and visiting the free Marine Science Center. The Poulsbo Historical Society will fill you in on the history of the town while you walk its scenic streets. Poulsbo is only an hour from Seattle if you take the Bainbridge Island ferry and then drive the eleven miles on to Poulsbo. Cars drive right on to the ferries. The ferry ride is inexpensive, beautiful and relaxing. A ferry leaves Seattle for Bainbridge Island about once an hour during daylight. See the wsdot site for fares and schedules. http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries . Poulsbo hosts many events and festivals throughout the year. Here's a number of websites that you can use to learn more about this scenic village:
http://www.visitkitsap.com/cities.asp?ID=7
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poulsbo,_Washington
http://www.poulsbo.net/downtown/
http://local.search.yahoo.com/search?p=restaurants&addr=Poulsbo%2C+WA+98370
Enjoy!
Sharon O'Leary - October 2011:
I have been using public transportation while in Seattle. Once I get off the train (Link Lightrail) I always catch a bus. You can purchase an Orca card ($5 initial fee) that can be reloaded as needed. I put a free app on my phone called One Bus Away and have found it to be most useful. Not only does it give a pretty accurate time of arrival but also list all the stops along the way on the map page. This is great when the weather is really rainy so I can stay indoors until the last couple of minutes of the bus arrival. It is also helpful when planning my next destination. If you stay at the same hotel, you can bookmark that stop and the next time you log in it will give an updated time of arrival.
Dale the Ron - September 2009:
We took the light rail from the airport - takes about 30 minutes and costs $2.75/person. After landing take the Skywalk 2 and follow the signs - it is about 3/10 of a mile to the light rail (level four of the parking structure) We got off on the University station downtoan and it is litterally a block south to the Harbor steps whick takes you right to the Waterfront (Ferries, Pike Market) area.
Here's a YouTube Video of the light rail trip from the Airport to downtown: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_y2lSkz4KVk . Be sure to ride one of the Ferries - we did Bainbridge island this time (about 30 minutes each way). YouTube Video of Bainbridge:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cJz4fuReB8 . A day trip is perfect to explore Pike Market area. Stayed at a great place - Inn at Harbor Inn. A little pricey but great if you are only spending one night.
Cheryl Hydrick - September 2007:
From the airport, Bay 2, use the Metro Transit bus that comes every 15 minutes to take you downtown for 1.50. You need to have exact change. The bus is an express number 194 and uses the highway and a tunnel downtown. The tunnel is much like an underground subway and has certain stations that it stops at rather than streets. Very easy and convenient, taking about 30 minutes. Taxis take around the same time and are approximately 28 dollars. During the day buses are free in the metro area in certain perimeters.
Gina Chapin - March 2007:
We went to Seattle in November- It was awesome-we rented a car for the day but ended up parking it at the needle and taking the tram to downtown where we walked from the mall down to Union square (Pikes Market Place) and shopped-and there is the best restaurant called Cutters right across the street that you can eat overlooking the water-and we told them it was our first time in Seattle and they gave us a free sample of the salmon chowder and Seattle's best beer!!!! Take a look at their Website:
http://cutterscrabhouse.com/ . It was the best day trip yet (i hope to have more!!), but I have heard of others that took the public transportation down to the needle-it just added like 30 minutes travel time!! :) Have fun!!!
Becky Crozier - March 2007:
Take the Underground Tour if you go to Seattle!
I've taken it twice and laughed a lot both times.
Here's an excerpt from http://www.undergroundtour.com/
"While you roam the subterranean passages that once were the main roadways and first-floor storefronts of old downtown Seattle, Tour Guides regale you with humorous stories our pioneers didn’t want you to hear. It’s history with a twist!"
Mike Summers - August 2010:
Seattle now has a light rail that takes you directly from the airport to downtown Seattle (YouTube Video showing connection:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ulih7KNdoFE ) . It's about a 35 minute trip. Here's the website: http://www.soundtransit.org/x11204.xml You simply walk to the station at the airport from the Frontier Gate. It's about a ten minute walk, but the trains are clean and efficient. You buy your ticket at a kiosk at the train station just before going upstairs to ride the train. Cash or credit is accepted.
Once you get downtown you can connect at the Westlake Station to the monorail an head toward the Space Needle. Hotels are numerous near Westlake and the Space Needle. Here's a website for Seattle:
http://www.seattlesouthside.com/?utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=pike%20place%20market&utm_campaign=calendar
You should also visit Pikes Place Market where you'll find the first Starbuck's Coffeeshop. Here's the website for the Market:
http://pikeplacemarket.org/ YouTube Video of the Market: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aay_SEm4VxQ .
There are a lot of nice places to eat. (See my update below for May 2011) Anthony's Pier 66 is great to sit outside in the summer. It's a little pricey, but the food is good and the view of the harbor and Mount Ranier are nice. Here's their website: http://www.anthonys.com/restaurants/info/pier66.html. We stopped by the Skyy Lounge at 1919 First Avenue for happy hour. The 'back bar' has an amazing view of the Seattle harbor. Drink prices during happy hour are first-rate (Link: http://www.yelp.com/biz/sonyas-bar-and-grill-seattle ). They say it's gay-friendly, but heck, everyone is friendly at this place. Don't miss it!
We visited the Boeing Museum north of the airport and south of downtown. You can walk through various planes/jets like the original Air Force One or a Concorde. My kids (when they were in middle/high school) really enjoyed it. Here's the website: http://www.museumofflight.org/ . John Kamlet mentions which bus to take in his post below. We also drove north of Seattle to Everett, WA to tour the Boeing assembly plant where they build 747's and 777's. It's the world's largest building (by volume) and worth the visit; Website: http://www.museumofflight.org/
Seattle is also a great day trip if you want to take in an afternoon Seattle Mariner game. The light rail stops by the stadium and the Pyramid Brewing Company is across the street from the park. Here's information about transportation to Safeco Field: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/sea/ballpark/sea_ballpark_transportation.jsp
And here's the website for the Pyramid Brewery: http://www.pyramidbrew.com/ I love the Hefe beer, and the food is great! Also just south of the stadium on 1st Avenue South is Henry's (Website: http://www.henrystavern.com/location-seattle-WA.php ) with their large selection of beers on tap.
If you want to go for a walk/hike/jog/bike near the waterfront, head north along Alaskan Way toward Pier 69 - 70 where the Victoria Clipper service is located. Continue north past the Pier and you'll soon see the Sculpture Park (and in season the working fountain). Here's a nice website link that includes a map, pictures, and a video for the nearly three mile path:
https://sites.google.com/site/miscellaneousdebrisproject/hiking-and-biking/seattle-biking/seattle-bike-trails/seattle-waterfront-trails .
Lastly, you can easily drive from Seattle to Vancouver, BC. Frontier used to fly direct to Vancouver, and my wife and I fell in love with the city. In February 2010, I drove up to Vancouver from Seattle for the Winter Olympics. Rental car companies allow you to drive to Canada (you should always ask beforehand). I posted a few things in the Vancouver scouttraveltips page about it.
Enjoy!
Mike Summers
John Kamlet - October 2010:
We took Mike Summers' advice above and took the light rail from Sea/Tac to the Westlake station downtown. It's only $2.50 per person each way and dropped us about 3 blocks from our hotel. We stayed at the Warwick Hotel, which gave us an airline employee discount, and is located within walking distance of everything in downtown Seattle. It's best to call for rates.
The Pacific Science Museum is a must see located in Seattle Center near the Space Needle. They have a lot of interactive exhibits for "kids" of all ages, plus IMAX. The exhibits change frequently.
Another must see is the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field. If you catch the 124 bus on 3rd Ave, it will take you directly to the museum (about a 30 minute ride) for $2 per person. Exact change is required for the bus and light rail.
If you take the ferry to Bainbridge Island, be sure to try the crab bisque at Doc's Marina Grill. YouTube Ferry Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75gxYB9-rZA .
Mike Summers - May 2011:
See my write-up above AND just got back from a kick-butt weekend. Three more restaurants to try are all in-a-row at 4th Avenue and Virginia Streets (Map: http://classic.mapquest.com/maps?city=Seattle&state=WA&country=US&latitude=47.6064&longitude=-122.330803&geocode=CITY ) . They are owned by the same genius chef. We put a reservation in at "Serious Pie" (Website: http://tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=serious-pie ), which is anywhere from a 20-45 minute wait; then we walked next door to Dahlia Lounge for before-dinner drinks (Website: http://tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=dahlia-lounge ). Seroius Pie called us on our cell phone with a ten-minute warning; so, we went back to Serious Pie and ate dinner. The sweet fennel sausage, roasted peppers, and provolone pizza is great. After eating some awesome gourmet pizza at Seroius Pie, we walked a 1/2 block to Lola (Website: http://tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=lola) for the unworldly Coconut Cream Pie (that is not on the menu), but you can ask for it because it's that good,and had Irish coffee to round out a spectacular date night. If you want to extend your evening by enjoying some live music (with no-cover), head on over to the Triple Door (Website: http://www.thetripledoor.net/Our-Story.aspx ). The Triple Door features entertainment on both their Main Stage (which will cost you $), or you can visit the Muisicquarium for local talent at no cover charge. They also have a nice happy hour. Check the website for details.
Enjoy!
Mike Summers
Mitzi Titzer - May 2008:
A little extra info... Frontier has an agreement with the Victoria Clipper as well. It connects Seattle to Victoria, BC with daily service. Website: http://www.clippervacations.com/schedules-fares/ and
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60878-d563107-Reviews-Victoria_Clipper-Seattle_Washington.html . We went through the Frontier Pass Bureau for Clipper tickets last month and we paid only $15 round trip! Another option is to show your Frontier badge at the Victoria Clipper ticket window.